The Ministry of Environment & Forests has notified the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998, according to which biomedical waste has been classified into 10 categories. The treatment and disposal methods for each category have been indicated in Schedules I & II of the Rules.

The used injection needles, syringes, etc., are classified as Category no.4 in the Rules and the same are required to be disinfected by chemical treatment/autoclaving/microwaving and mutilation/shredding. The purpose of chemical treatment is to disinfect the used needles, syringes, etc., and the purpose of mutilation/shredding is to prevent any unauthorized re-use of the same.

The items contaminated with blood and body fluids including cotton, dressings, etc., are classified as Category No.6 in the Rules and the same are required to be incinerated or disinfected by autoclaving/microwaving. The used injection syringes, needles, used cotton, dressings, etc., are not allowed for re-use and the same are required to be treated and disposed of strictly in accordance with the above mentioned Rules.

These Rules make it mandatory for every occupier of an institution generating bio-medical waste to take all steps to ensure that such waste is handled without any adverse effect to human health and environment. The Rules also require such waste to be segregated, packaged, labelled, treated and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.

The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) of Union Territories are the Prescribed Authorities in the respective States/Union Territories responsible for strict implementation of the Rules by the concerned agencies, such as, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., said a Government release.

Any violation of the Rules attracts action by the SPCB/PCC concerned under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Action to be taken by the SPCBs/PCCs in this connection includes closure of the unit, stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service. The Act also provides for punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 5 (five) years with fine, which may extend to Rupees one lakh, or with both. The Ministry has addressed all the SPCBs/PCCs of UTs for strict implementation of the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998.